Answer to Question 1
Construction professionals should ask these questions themselves, and they should encourage other decision-makers within their organizations to do the same.
Has the issue or problem been thoroughly and accurately defined?
Have all dimensions of the problem (productivity, quality, cost, safety, health, and so on) been identified?
Would other stakeholders (employees, customers) agree with your definition of the problem?
What is your real motivation in making this decision? Meeting a deadline? Outperforming another organizational unit, or a competitor? Self-promotion? Getting the job done right? Protecting the safety and health of employees? Some combination of these?
What is the probable short-term result of your decision? What is the probable long-term result?
Who will be affected by your decision and in what way? In the short term? In the long term?
Did you discuss the decision with all stakeholders (or all possible stakeholders) before making it?
Would your decision withstand the scrutiny of employees, customers, colleagues, and the general public?
Answer to Question 2
Social factors can also influence ethical behavior in organizations. These factors include gender, role differences, religion, age, work experience, nationality, and the influence of other people who are significant in an individual's life. People learn appropriate behavior by observing the behavior of significant role models (parents, teachers, public officials, supervisors, and so on.) Because construction professionals represent a significant role model for their employees, it is critical that they exhibit ethical behavior that is beyond reproach in all situations.